SVITZER Australia is preparing for an emergency towage exercise in Cairns and Mourilyan.
Svitzer is planning emergency response training in Far North Queensland on 29 and 30 August, according to a notice from agency services provider GAC.
GAC said the training involves a live simulation, and harbour towage availability would be impacted.
It said for periods of time between 0700 on Tuesday 29 August and 0700 on Thursday 31 August, Svitzer’s harbour towage availability may be limited to one tug and corresponding crew allocations.
“Svitzer is required to test their equipment, crew and capability and to simulate a live, fully-manned exercise with a recovery tug and another tug acting as a ‘dead ship’ in and around the port area.”
“While Svitzer will work to minimise impacts as much as possible, some disruptions may be unavoidable for any late movement or booking requests for harbour towage.
“Svitzer is currently engaging with key port stakeholders regarding the above requirement and associated harbour towage impacts.”
GAC advised shipping providers and agents to plan movements in advance as much as practical.
